MEMORANDUM OF COMPLAINT
TO:
• United Nations (UN)
• The African Union (AU)
• United States Department of State
• The European Union (EU)
• Amnesty International
• Human Rights Watch
• Genocide Watch
Nu 2/6/2019/009
FROM: The Addis Ababa Media Council
DATE: June 9, 2026
SUBJECT: Urgent Appeal for an Independent International Investigation into Targeted Massacres, Ethnic/Religious Cleansing, and Human Rights Violations in East Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.
1. Executive Summary & Incident Overview
The Addis Ababa Media Council hereby submits this urgent appeal to the international community regarding a coordinated and systematic campaign of violence targeted against civilian populations in the East Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. On May 31 and June 1, 2026, coordinated attacks were launched against innocent civilians, specifically targeting Orthodox Christian believers and ethnic Amharas residing across three distinct districts (woredas): Aseko, Sheka, and Endole Wabe. Based on verified, direct monitoring and first-hand documentation from the ground, the Council reports the following preliminary casualty and damage assessments:
Fatalities:
More than 52 innocent civilians were extrajudicially executed.
Injuries: Over 47 civilians sustained severe, life-threatening physical injuries.
Enforced Disappearances / Missing Persons:
More than 190 individuals remain unaccounted for, raising grave concerns regarding further undocumented casualties.
Displacement & Property Destruction:
Over 310 homes were deliberately incinerated, including two prominent community churches. This targeted destruction resulted in the immediate, forcible displacement of more than 500 residents who are currently without shelter, food, or medical security.
2. State Complicity, Misinformation, and Retaliatory Arrests
Following the atrocities, the ruling regime issued an official statement attributing the massacres to a joint
operation between Amhara Fano forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), referred to by the state as
"Oneg/Shene". The Council categorically rejects the state's assertion regarding Fano's involvement, classifying it as a deliberate fabrication designed to obfuscate accountability. Concurrently, the regime
dispatched an internal "investigative team" to the region. The Council has verified that this team is engaged in producing a biased, state-sanctioned documentary aimed at controlling the narrative, rather than conducting
a transparent, forensic inquiry.
The Council strongly condemns the regime's deceptive actions, which strongly indicate institutional complicity:
Scapegoating and Internal Deflection:
While publicly blaming external actors, regional state authorities have arbitrarily detained approximately five local administrative officials—including the East Arsi Zonal
Police Commissioner alongside various district
and neighborhood (kebele) leaders. This internal purge demonstrates that the state possesses direct awareness
of internal facilitation and a structural failure to protect civilians.
Suppression of Material Evidence and Free Speech:
In a direct effort to suppress
eyewitness testimony and silence reporting, the regime has carried out retaliatory arrests of civil society
members and religious figures who witnessed or reported the crimes.
Notably, this includes the arbitrary detention of Dr. Mezgebu Kassa, a prominent figure who spoke out
regarding the true nature of the attacks.
3. Key Findings: Individual Accountability and State-Sponsored Ethnic/Religious Cleansing
The field investigation conducted by the Addis Ababa Media Council has yielded the following conclusions:
A. Command Responsibility and Individual Accountability
TO:
• United Nations (UN)
• The African Union (AU)
• United States Department of State
• The European Union (EU)
• Amnesty International
• Human Rights Watch
• Genocide Watch
Nu 2/6/2019/009
FROM: The Addis Ababa Media Council
DATE: June 9, 2026
SUBJECT: Urgent Appeal for an Independent International Investigation into Targeted Massacres, Ethnic/Religious Cleansing, and Human Rights Violations in East Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.
1. Executive Summary & Incident Overview
The Addis Ababa Media Council hereby submits this urgent appeal to the international community regarding a coordinated and systematic campaign of violence targeted against civilian populations in the East Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. On May 31 and June 1, 2026, coordinated attacks were launched against innocent civilians, specifically targeting Orthodox Christian believers and ethnic Amharas residing across three distinct districts (woredas): Aseko, Sheka, and Endole Wabe. Based on verified, direct monitoring and first-hand documentation from the ground, the Council reports the following preliminary casualty and damage assessments:
Fatalities:
More than 52 innocent civilians were extrajudicially executed.
Injuries: Over 47 civilians sustained severe, life-threatening physical injuries.
Enforced Disappearances / Missing Persons:
More than 190 individuals remain unaccounted for, raising grave concerns regarding further undocumented casualties.
Displacement & Property Destruction:
Over 310 homes were deliberately incinerated, including two prominent community churches. This targeted destruction resulted in the immediate, forcible displacement of more than 500 residents who are currently without shelter, food, or medical security.
2. State Complicity, Misinformation, and Retaliatory Arrests
Following the atrocities, the ruling regime issued an official statement attributing the massacres to a joint
operation between Amhara Fano forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), referred to by the state as
"Oneg/Shene". The Council categorically rejects the state's assertion regarding Fano's involvement, classifying it as a deliberate fabrication designed to obfuscate accountability. Concurrently, the regime
dispatched an internal "investigative team" to the region. The Council has verified that this team is engaged in producing a biased, state-sanctioned documentary aimed at controlling the narrative, rather than conducting
a transparent, forensic inquiry.
The Council strongly condemns the regime's deceptive actions, which strongly indicate institutional complicity:
Scapegoating and Internal Deflection:
While publicly blaming external actors, regional state authorities have arbitrarily detained approximately five local administrative officials—including the East Arsi Zonal
Police Commissioner alongside various district
and neighborhood (kebele) leaders. This internal purge demonstrates that the state possesses direct awareness
of internal facilitation and a structural failure to protect civilians.
Suppression of Material Evidence and Free Speech:
In a direct effort to suppress
eyewitness testimony and silence reporting, the regime has carried out retaliatory arrests of civil society
members and religious figures who witnessed or reported the crimes.
Notably, this includes the arbitrary detention of Dr. Mezgebu Kassa, a prominent figure who spoke out
regarding the true nature of the attacks.
3. Key Findings: Individual Accountability and State-Sponsored Ethnic/Religious Cleansing
The field investigation conducted by the Addis Ababa Media Council has yielded the following conclusions:
A. Command Responsibility and Individual Accountability
The Council asserts that these massacres were perpetrated through a functional coalition of state security apparatuses and non-state armed actors. We identify the following high-ranking officialsas holding direct or indirect command responsibility, either through explicit operational directives or willful institutional
oversight:
1. Shimelis Abdissa (President of the Oromia Region)
2. Demelash Gebremichael (Federal Police Commissioner)
3. Ararsa Merdasa (Oromia Region Peace and Security Bureau Head)
4. Col. Abebe Geresu (Deputy Head of Oromia Peace and Security Bureau)
5. Sintayehu Tilahun (High-ranking regional security coordinator)
Furthermore, consistent first-hand accounts from survivors, eyewitnesses, and victims’ families explicitly
implicate the armed group known as "OLF/Shene" (OLA) in the physical execution of the May 31–June 1
attacks, operating with apparent structural impunity and logistical coordination.
B. Patterns of Systematic Atrocities (Genocide Campaign)
This incident does not represent an isolated outbreak of violence. In the calendar year 2026 alone, four separate, large-scale
massacre campaigns have been executed within the Arsi zone using identical operational patterns. The structural, targeted nature of these assaults indicates a broader, continuous campaign of demographic and religious cleansing. These operations specifically target Orthodox Christian believers and ethnic Amharas residing within the Oromia region, including established communities in Welega, Bale,
Harar, Shewa, Jimma, and Arsi.
4. Formal Requests In light of the total collapse of domestic legal remedies, the weaponization of state-led "investigations," and the imminent threat of continued violence, the Addis Ababa Media Council formally requests that the listed international organizations and sovereign governments urgently intervene through the following mechanisms:
1. Mandate an Independent International Investigation: We urge the United Nations, the African Union, and international human rights bodies to immediately dispatch an independent, third-party fact-finding mission to East Arsi to secure forensic evidence, map mass graves, and safely document eyewitness
testimonies.
2. Investigate and Sanction Designated Personnel: We request that the five individuals listed above, alongside OLA field commanders, be formally investigated under international law for crimes against humanity and command responsibility in targeted ethnic massacres.
3. Ensure Victim Protection and Humanitarian Aid: We call for immediate international oversight and protection mechanisms for the displaced populations in Arsi, ensuring the safe delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance without state interference or diversion.
4. Demand the Immediate Release of Material Witnesses: We urge immediate diplomatic pressure to secure the unconditional release of Dr. Mezgebu Kassa and all citizens, journalists, and religious figures currently detained for reporting on these atrocities.
The Addis Ababa Media Council reiterates its unwavering commitment to truth, journalistic integrity, and solidarity with the victimized public.
Respectfully,
The Addis Ababa Media Council.
oversight:
1. Shimelis Abdissa (President of the Oromia Region)
2. Demelash Gebremichael (Federal Police Commissioner)
3. Ararsa Merdasa (Oromia Region Peace and Security Bureau Head)
4. Col. Abebe Geresu (Deputy Head of Oromia Peace and Security Bureau)
5. Sintayehu Tilahun (High-ranking regional security coordinator)
Furthermore, consistent first-hand accounts from survivors, eyewitnesses, and victims’ families explicitly
implicate the armed group known as "OLF/Shene" (OLA) in the physical execution of the May 31–June 1
attacks, operating with apparent structural impunity and logistical coordination.
B. Patterns of Systematic Atrocities (Genocide Campaign)
This incident does not represent an isolated outbreak of violence. In the calendar year 2026 alone, four separate, large-scale
massacre campaigns have been executed within the Arsi zone using identical operational patterns. The structural, targeted nature of these assaults indicates a broader, continuous campaign of demographic and religious cleansing. These operations specifically target Orthodox Christian believers and ethnic Amharas residing within the Oromia region, including established communities in Welega, Bale,
Harar, Shewa, Jimma, and Arsi.
4. Formal Requests In light of the total collapse of domestic legal remedies, the weaponization of state-led "investigations," and the imminent threat of continued violence, the Addis Ababa Media Council formally requests that the listed international organizations and sovereign governments urgently intervene through the following mechanisms:
1. Mandate an Independent International Investigation: We urge the United Nations, the African Union, and international human rights bodies to immediately dispatch an independent, third-party fact-finding mission to East Arsi to secure forensic evidence, map mass graves, and safely document eyewitness
testimonies.
2. Investigate and Sanction Designated Personnel: We request that the five individuals listed above, alongside OLA field commanders, be formally investigated under international law for crimes against humanity and command responsibility in targeted ethnic massacres.
3. Ensure Victim Protection and Humanitarian Aid: We call for immediate international oversight and protection mechanisms for the displaced populations in Arsi, ensuring the safe delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance without state interference or diversion.
4. Demand the Immediate Release of Material Witnesses: We urge immediate diplomatic pressure to secure the unconditional release of Dr. Mezgebu Kassa and all citizens, journalists, and religious figures currently detained for reporting on these atrocities.
The Addis Ababa Media Council reiterates its unwavering commitment to truth, journalistic integrity, and solidarity with the victimized public.
Respectfully,
The Addis Ababa Media Council.
Urgent Press Release --ADDIS ABABA MEDIA COUNCIL.
Date: June 12, 2026
Document Ref:
AAMC/12/06/2026/010
Subject: Condemning the Unjust Expulsion of French Journalist Augustine Passilly and the Escalating Press Crackdown in Ethiopia
To:
---All press oulets.
--- Press freedom Organizations (CPJ, RSF, IPI)
--- Human Rights Watchdogs.
--The International Community.
The Addis Ababa Media Council strongly condemns the arbitrary and dictatorial expulsion of French journalist Augustine Passilly by the Prosperity Party regime. This aggressive measure of deporting international correspondents is a desperate attempt by the regime to hide severe human rights violations, armed conflict, and deep economic crises from the eyes of the international community .
Ethiopia has one of the world's worst records for press freedom, ranking 148 out of 180 by the tally of Reporters Without Borders.
Press freedom improved briefly when the current Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, rose to power in 2018, but soon gave way to renewed crackdown.
Augustine Passilly, 30, had been a correspondent for La Croix,a Catholic daily, in the country since 2023, and no clear reason was given by authorities for her expulsion this week. Passilly is a highly respected French journalist who has covered East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, extensively. Her investigative pieces and on-the-ground reporting have been featured in major international publications, including:
Le Monde, France's leading and highly influential daily newspaper, La Croix, a prominent French daily national newspaper, and Jeune Afrique, a leading pan-African media outlet focusing on African politics and economics.
Passilly became a target of the state security apparatus simply for executing her professional duties—unveiling the harsh realities on the ground and amplifying the suffering of the Ethiopian people. In particular, her recent reports on the war in the Amhara region, which exposed military drone strikes on civilian targets, extrajudicial killings and mass arbitrary arrests carried out by government forces has ired the regime.
She has also chronicled forced evictions and demolitions in Addis Ababa which has resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of residents under the guise of the "Corridor Development" project. Her reports have highlighted the lack of compensation, destruction of heritage and homelessness.
No less she has consistently drawn global attention to the harassment, arbitrary detention, and forced exile of local Ethiopian journalists and human rights defenders.
All these are are "sabotage against national security" to the regime, which has retaliated by revoking her press credentials and forcibly deporting her from the country.
This action sends a chilling warning to both domestic and international journalists. At a historic crossroads where the ruling regime is directly fracturing national unity, it has chosen to completely bury press freedom to conceal its misdeeds. We believe this expulsion represents a critical threshold in the complete elimination of independent journalism in Ethiopia.
We urge the international community to Issue an immediate condemnation against the expulsion and apply coordinated diplomatic pressure on the Ethiopian government.
Addis Ababa Media Council.
June 12, 2026.
Date: June 12, 2026
Document Ref:
AAMC/12/06/2026/010
Subject: Condemning the Unjust Expulsion of French Journalist Augustine Passilly and the Escalating Press Crackdown in Ethiopia
To:
---All press oulets.
--- Press freedom Organizations (CPJ, RSF, IPI)
--- Human Rights Watchdogs.
--The International Community.
The Addis Ababa Media Council strongly condemns the arbitrary and dictatorial expulsion of French journalist Augustine Passilly by the Prosperity Party regime. This aggressive measure of deporting international correspondents is a desperate attempt by the regime to hide severe human rights violations, armed conflict, and deep economic crises from the eyes of the international community .
Ethiopia has one of the world's worst records for press freedom, ranking 148 out of 180 by the tally of Reporters Without Borders.
Press freedom improved briefly when the current Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, rose to power in 2018, but soon gave way to renewed crackdown.
Augustine Passilly, 30, had been a correspondent for La Croix,a Catholic daily, in the country since 2023, and no clear reason was given by authorities for her expulsion this week. Passilly is a highly respected French journalist who has covered East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, extensively. Her investigative pieces and on-the-ground reporting have been featured in major international publications, including:
Le Monde, France's leading and highly influential daily newspaper, La Croix, a prominent French daily national newspaper, and Jeune Afrique, a leading pan-African media outlet focusing on African politics and economics.
Passilly became a target of the state security apparatus simply for executing her professional duties—unveiling the harsh realities on the ground and amplifying the suffering of the Ethiopian people. In particular, her recent reports on the war in the Amhara region, which exposed military drone strikes on civilian targets, extrajudicial killings and mass arbitrary arrests carried out by government forces has ired the regime.
She has also chronicled forced evictions and demolitions in Addis Ababa which has resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of residents under the guise of the "Corridor Development" project. Her reports have highlighted the lack of compensation, destruction of heritage and homelessness.
No less she has consistently drawn global attention to the harassment, arbitrary detention, and forced exile of local Ethiopian journalists and human rights defenders.
All these are are "sabotage against national security" to the regime, which has retaliated by revoking her press credentials and forcibly deporting her from the country.
This action sends a chilling warning to both domestic and international journalists. At a historic crossroads where the ruling regime is directly fracturing national unity, it has chosen to completely bury press freedom to conceal its misdeeds. We believe this expulsion represents a critical threshold in the complete elimination of independent journalism in Ethiopia.
We urge the international community to Issue an immediate condemnation against the expulsion and apply coordinated diplomatic pressure on the Ethiopian government.
Addis Ababa Media Council.
June 12, 2026.
Forwarded from Eyob Abyssinia ኢዮብ አቢሲኒያ
ሰላም ጤና ይስጥልን !!! የአዲስ አበባ ሚዲያ ምክር ቤት አባልነት ለመመዝገብ ከታች ያለውን ማስፈንጠሪያ ይጫኑ።
https://donorbox.org/addis-ababa-media-council?preview=1781192567
https://donorbox.org/addis-ababa-media-council?preview=1781192567
donorbox.org
Addis Ababa Media Council | Addis Ababa Media Council (Powered by Donorbox)
Addis Ababa Media Council Supporters Network pinned «ሰላም ጤና ይስጥልን !!! የአዲስ አበባ ሚዲያ ምክር ቤት አባልነት ለመመዝገብ ከታች ያለውን ማስፈንጠሪያ ይጫኑ። https://donorbox.org/addis-ababa-media-council?preview=1781192567»